I like this too. Some nice harmonic twists and turns. Nicely played, though I personally would try to be a bit more decadent with rubato, etc. Not that I'm overly knowledgeable on Poulenc, so that's more an initial impression than informed opinion on my part.

Yes, that is a wonderful piece. Reminds me of those lush 1930s and 1940s romantic movie themes. It has a very romantic character with a harmonic twist now and then. Your performance was very good and brought forth that wonderful romantic character.

Thank you, Andrew and Scott. I actually video-recorded this piece too, but I'm too embarrassed to show anybody. I did play it with more rubato and so forth, but then decided it was just too 'schmultzy' like that and so I did another audio-only recording this morning and played it pretty straight-forward, which is really how I prefer it now. And I am so excited - had a great afternoon reading through two or three other improvisations from this set and discovered that I also like them very much! I love when that happens - I feel all bubbly inside and can't tear myself away from the piano (ok, maybe I am a dork...)

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

Thank you, Andrew and Scott. I actually video-recorded this piece too, but I'm too embarrassed to show anybody. I did play it with more rubato and so forth, but then decided it was just too 'schmultzy' like that and so I did another audio-only recording this morning and played it pretty straight-forward, which is really how I prefer it now. And I am so excited - had a great afternoon reading through two or three other improvisations from this set and discovered that I also like them very much! I love when that happens - I feel all bubbly inside and can't tear myself away from the piano (ok, maybe I am a dork...)

If you are a dork, then you are in good company here. How many non-dorks would spend their time playing and thinking about classical music.

Yes, I'm good at that It's true though, isn't it. All the more a pity because this exquisite ending is otherwise perfectly done. That not-quite-smooth closing chord spoils it just a little bit for me. I have on occasion re-recorded a last bar for similar micro-nitpicky reasons. The end is the most important part of any piece(in addition to the beginning, and the middle )

Yes, I'm good at that It's true though, isn't it. All the more a pity because this exquisite ending is otherwise perfectly done. That not-quite-smooth closing chord spoils it just a little bit for me. I have on occasion re-recorded a last bar for similar micro-nitpicky reasons. The end is the most important part of any piece(in addition to the beginning, and the middle )

I dunno....I'm wondering if it's the reverb that is making it sound to you like those three notes are not coming down together. To me, it sounds okay but I guess I can re-record the end and see if I can get it any better.

richard66 wrote:

This is a good one and I like the way you do it. I would not bother with rubati: much better to keep away from thieves (Rubato=rubare=to steal): one keeps good time without keeping bad company.

Funny: I seem to remember that first figure from somewhere else. Does he mention borrowing the motive?

Thank you, Richard. I agree that a piece like this doesn't need any 'enhancement'. The structure itself and markings provide the right amount of 'je ne sais quoi', IMHO.

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

I dunno....I'm wondering if it's the reverb that is making it sound to you like those three notes are not coming down together. To me, it sounds okay but I guess I can re-record the end and see if I can get it any better.

Nah, I don't think it is the reverb. If anything, reverb tends to smooth out any minor inegalities (that's why I like to use it so much ).If I'm the only one who hears this, don't bother about it.

Really? You both hear it??? I don't really hear it. But I did actually re-recorded the ending a bunch of times yesterday but then I remembered that I had a cake in the oven that I needed to attend to, and then I didn't get around to fixing up this recording. When I do get a chance - maybe you can see if it's better okay?

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

Hi Monica,I understand, why you love this piece so much. That´s indeed also my taste of good and interesting music.I think, you play this piece very well. Following with score I noticed some nice moments of imitation between soprano and tenor voice here, so in bar 10, where you bring it out very clearly, and in bar 22, where you could bring it out a bit more eventually, in bar 50 also and in the penultimate bar in ppp. I don´t know, if you have made thoughts about these structural phenomenons. If I would play that piece I wouldn´t always bring out these imitations too self-confident, but somehow I would play with them with some consciousness. Just an idea!

I would be up to be play this piece, too. I´m sure I also will play some further pieces by Poulenc in future.

Hi Andreas,Thank you! Also, I'm glad to hear your ideas about those two voices. Yes, there are a number of ways one can go regarding how much of which voice to bring out in certain spots.

There are 15 pieces in this set. I've done two now, and I'm working on another two. But there must be other nice ones in the set. Maybe you'd like to help fill it up like we did (tried) with the Godowsky Triakontameron? That set still is not complete, but it's close. Maybe someday....

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

There are 15 pieces in this set. I've done two now, and I'm working on another two. But there must be other nice ones in the set. Maybe you'd like to help fill it up like we did (tried) with the Godowsky Triakontameron?

Yes, why not, sharing of work is always a good principal!

Quote:

That set still is not complete, but it's close. Maybe someday....

Of course, we should also complete that set. Which numbers are still missing?

There are 15 pieces in this set. I've done two now, and I'm working on another two. But there must be other nice ones in the set. Maybe you'd like to help fill it up like we did (tried) with the Godowsky Triakontameron?

Yes, why not, sharing of work is always a good principal!

Quote:

That set still is not complete, but it's close. Maybe someday....

Of course, we should also complete that set. Which numbers are still missing?

The missing Triakontameron pieces are: 4,7,8,10,22,23,24,25,28,29, and 30. I guess we have more than just a couple missing... I thought we had most of these already spoken for by various PS members, but I can't find that list after doing a search here on the forum. I think I will take on two more and do 24 and 25, but that still leaves plenty left to do. Andreas? Anyone?...

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

Hi Monica,first I would like to do some of the improvisations by Poulenc and continue with Bach (I only have spare time to practice, when school begins again). If rests a bit time for Godowsky, I would like to take no. 29 first, but I don´t want to promise that at this moment.I will let you know, which improvisations I would like to play. May be we both make a list of our favorites and see, who plays which piece.

I know I promised to do a couple, but can't remember which exactly. If we really get serious about this project again then I'll do some - in any casenos. 4, 7, and 30. I guess Alfonso is not coming back to do his bit. Wasn't Felipe involved too ? Seems like he has left PS as well...

@Godowsky: Ok, I'll make a new list. Wonder why I can't find the old one; do you have an idea of a different search word other than Godowsky or Triakontameron?

@Andreas - Regarding the Poulenc Improvisations: I've already done nos. 7 and 13 and I'm currently working on nos. 5 and 10. That leaves 11 of them for you...

Sure looks like Alfonso is gone for good. But who knows, people have come back after taking a long break, so maybe...Felipe is unhappy with something here and is taking a little break too. But I talk to him often on Facebook so I can ask him if he would still like to record more Godowsky for us.

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

Just an add-on comment to Chris', but not to hijack this thread: It always saddens me when good pianists, contributors and commentators like Alfonso and Felipe leave Piano Society. I know it's inevitable here and at other websites too, but it always feels like a loss to me. OK... having said that, now back to Poulenc.

David

_________________"Interpreting music means exploring the promise of the potential of possibilities." David April

@Godowsky: Ok, I'll make a new list. Wonder why I can't find the old one; do you have an idea of a different search word other than Godowsky or Triakontameron?

I can't find it either. I know there are LOTS of posts with these words in the title (I saw them while searching all of Alfonso's posts) but I believe our search function sucks). Not sure why that is, will think about it. Anyway you should be able to find it by searching your own posts from the first half of 2009, that was around the time this plan emerged.Or, we start over as alf and felipe are not likely to take part anymore.

@Godowsky: Ok, I'll make a new list. Wonder why I can't find the old one; do you have an idea of a different search word other than Godowsky or Triakontameron?

I can't find it either. I know there are LOTS of posts with these words in the title (I saw them while searching all of Alfonso's posts) but I believe our search function sucks). Not sure why that is, will think about it. Anyway you should be able to find it by searching your own posts from the first half of 2009, that was around the time this plan emerged.Or, we start over as alf and felipe are not likely to take part anymore.

I guess we better just start over. Then we can get new people on the list. I will still look around for that old list when I've got some time - good that you've given me at least a time frame. I didn't realize it's been two years already!

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

Sorry for my delayed answer, but as I told you, the internet access here in my vacancies is very bad and for some days I had no chance to log in here.Pianolady wrote:

Quote:

@Godowsky: Ok, I'll make a new list. Wonder why I can't find the old one; do you have an idea of a different search word other than Godowsky or Triakontameron?

I think, I haven´t yet understood the problem entirely. Are you looking for a list of the numbers of Triakontameron we already have on the site? So, you can look on the main-site under composers Godowsky Triakontameron, but, of course, you know that. So, I suppose you are looking for the list of who wanted to play which piece, isn´t it? I propose, that we make a new one, since Alfonso and Felipe seem to have gone.

I also regret that, btw, and especially I miss the competent remarks and inspirations of Alfonso, whos recordings always were of a perfect quality! It was also a great pleasure to do these six-hands-pieces by Rachmaninof, I think, we were a good Trio!

Quote:

@Andreas - Regarding the Poulenc Improvisations: I've already done nos. 7 and 13 and I'm currently working on nos. 5 and 10. That leaves 11 of them for you...

If it is not more it´s not worth to be mentioned! I only can say, which ones I would like to play, when I shall be at home again and can try them a bit out at my piano. So, I will come back to that list in a week or so.

I think, I haven´t yet understood the problem entirely. Are you looking for a list of the numbers of Triakontameron we already have on the site? So, you can look on the main-site under composers Godowsky Triakontameron, but, of course, you know that. So, I suppose you are looking for the list of who wanted to play which piece, isn´t it? I propose, that we make a new one, since Alfonso and Felipe seem to have gone.

Okay, Andreas, and everyone else - I've put a new list in the 'General' forum.

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

David and Andreas, thank you for the kind words. I've disappeared for no particular reason other than I don't have anymore time to spend here. Even my piano practice has reduced to a ridiculous amount of 5-10 hours a month. I haven't learnt anything new since the last september, I believe. Just maintenance activity, it's that sad.

Monica, good to see that you have discovered the Improvisations. In the past I studied a few of them (never submitted though) with great pleasure. You should try No.15, I'm sure you'll love it.

_________________"A conclusion is simply the place where you got tired of thinking" - Anonymous

If I'm still awake later tonight, I'm going to try video-recording this piece in the dark since I now have it memorized.

That will be one interesting video. Hope you can push the right buttons in the dark

harharhar.... And if I do push the right button, it's going to be a black video. People might think there's something wrong with the video. Actually, I'm liking this idea more and more becuase now I won't have to get dressed and comb my hair.

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

@AlfonsoI´m very glad to have read your lines, Alfonso. So we know the reason you are off. I´m in a similar situation, btw. Sometimes I also have only 4-6 hours a week to practise, but I try to do my best.

@MonicaDuring the first two weeks of school after the summer-holidays I had a lot of work and nearly no time to look after the "Improvisations" by Poulenc. In the early evening I also need a bit time for my five year old son and later in the evening I´m often too tired to think on piano. But now on sunday I have found a bit time to look which "Improvisations" look interesting for me: no. 1, 3, 5, 12 and may be one or two of the "Prestos" (no. 4,8,9). Especially I like the valse no. 12. I have seen, that you still are working on no. 5, so I think, I have to drop it.As I have written to Alfonso, my time for practising is very limited in this time.First, I would like to record my next prelude and fugue of WTC II, which is f-major. I think, this can take some days or even weeks, because I only will record it, if I´m really satisfied with my interpretation. Only after that I could go to the first "Improvisation" by Poulenc. I don´t want to promise to complete the whole set with you together, because it could be, that I want to play other pieces between. In every case the WTCII-completion has priority for me. So, it would be better to find also other members, who would like to play some of the Poulenc-pieces.I hope on your understanding and that you are not too disappointed.

Hi Andreas,That's okay, I am not disappointed. Since I went back to work full-time, I also do not have so much time to practice. When I think about it, I probably now get in only approximately 8 hours practicing a week, where I used to have lots more before I started working. This notion of completing the Poulenc Improvisations set is just something I got in my head and blurted out and does not need to get done by any certain time. We (and anyone else who wants to play some) can just keep it on the 'to do' list like the Godowsky set. Maybe some day one of them will get completed.

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

That's okay, I am not disappointed. Since I went back to work full-time, I also do not have so much time to practice. When I think about it, I probably now get in only approximately 8 hours practicing a week, where I used to have lots more before I started working. This notion of completing the Poulenc Improvisations set is just something I got in my head and blurted out and does not need to get done by any certain time. We (and anyone else who wants to play some) can just keep it on the 'to do' list like the Godowsky set. Maybe some day one of them will get completed.

I´m glad about your attitude. And oh, I really had thought, you would spend more time on practising, so we seem to be in a similar situation concerning our time of practising. I also think, it will be more fun to play some of the improvisations, if we don´t put the pressure respective force of an immediate completion on them.

Listened to the improvisation No. 13.There I can even see some ties with Rachmaninoff, despite the structure being much drier.I like how the themes grow into each other and how you play them out.Poulenc is often quite fragmental. In some places I felt like the motion grows a bit too similar - I would add some contrast and and more water to the palette.

Thanks Jaak, and welcome to PS. We do have professional pianists participating here, but the vast majority of recordings (and postings) are by hard-working amateurs. Nice that you promote us in your blog, but better get that aspect right.

BTW - We do not approve of commercial links in signatures. It's fine if you introduce yourself and say 'Visit my website if you're interestedin piano lessons for beginners' (even if we're no beginners here, and might think the wrong thing). But please do not do this in your signature. Links in signatures are typically restricted to link to artist pages on PS (or sometimes Youtube channels) and should not be of commercial nature.

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